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Published on: January 10, 2025
Factors contributing to de qi in acupuncture randomized clinical trials
Yi Yang1, Lin-Peng Wang, Lei Zhang
1Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, 23 Meishuguanhou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100010, China.
Summary
De qi, essential for acupuncture's therapeutic effect, needs better understanding in clinical trials. This study explores factors influencing de qi to improve acupuncture randomized controlled trial (RCT) design.
Area of Science:
- Integrative Medicine
- Clinical Trial Methodology
- Acupuncture Research
Background:
- De qi is a fundamental concept in acupuncture, crucial for achieving therapeutic outcomes.
- While recognized in the CONSORT Statement extension (2010), factors influencing de qi in clinical trials remain under-explored.
- Optimizing de qi is vital for the validity and efficacy of acupuncture interventions in research settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and analyze factors affecting the attainment of de qi in acupuncture clinical trials.
- To provide evidence-based recommendations for optimizing de qi within acupuncture randomized controlled trial (RCT) designs.
- To enhance the methodological rigor and reproducibility of acupuncture research.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of factors influencing de qi in acupuncture RCTs.
- Analysis of reported variables related to needle manipulation, patient characteristics, and acupoint selection.
- Qualitative synthesis of findings to identify key determinants of de qi.
Main Results:
- Needle manipulation techniques (e.g., rotation, lifting/thrusting) significantly impact de qi.
- Patient-related factors, including sensitivity and expectation, play a role in perceived de qi.
- Acupoint location precision and depth of insertion are critical for eliciting de qi.
Conclusions:
- Understanding and controlling factors influencing de qi is essential for robust acupuncture RCTs.
- Standardized reporting of de qi-related parameters in trial protocols is recommended.
- Future research should focus on developing objective measures for de qi assessment to improve reliability.
